Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Baby chameleons are incredibly cute, especially when they’re babies. They’re small and move in amusing ways. But because they’re fragile, they need extra care.
Taking care of baby chameleons isn’t a simple ballgame. They require special attention, and if mistakes are made, they can become ill. However, the effort is worth it because they’re truly remarkable creatures.
Now, let’s delve into baby chameleons. They differ from their older counterparts. We’ll share some pictures and discuss how they hatch, whether from eggs or live birth. Once, there was the pleasure of witnessing a mother chameleon with her baby—a truly special moment.
Henry Beston said:
“Animals aren’t lesser beings they’re like other nations, including Baby Chameleons, sharing the wonders and challenges of life on earth.”
What’s Special about Baby Chameleons?
Chameleon moms don’t take care of their babies.
They dig a hole in the ground, lay eggs, cover them up, and then leave. The eggs are stacked on top of each other in a big pile, usually about 6-12 inches deep.
The baby chameleons hatch from the eggs a few months later. They use their claws to break out of the eggs and climb up to the surface.
Some kinds of chameleons don’t lay eggs but give birth to live babies. Seen this happen with different species of chameleons under baby chameleon care, like Mt. Meru, Jackson’s, Werner’s, and Rudis chameleons.
When chameleons give live birth, the moms move around and drop the babies as they walk. The babies usually land on a leaf or branch and stick to it. Then, they wiggle out of the covering around them, called the amniotic sac, and start moving around.
It’s important to take them out of the cage quickly because there’s a risk that bigger chameleons might try to eat them, which is called cannibalistic risk.
Here are some Veiled chameleon eggs discovered while cleaning one of the chameleon egg-laying bins. The eggs were separated and placed into an incubation container, where the babies successfully hatched several months later.
A live-birthed baby chameleon, still in the amniotic sac on hand. It broke out of the sac moments later and was very active and healthy.
What’s the Next Step for Chameleon Hatchlings?
Baby chameleons are pretty independent right from the beginning. They usually climb up into trees or bushes where they can be safer.
They get some nourishment from a yolk sac they have until they’re ready to eat.
When they’re ready, they start hunting small bugs. Baby chameleons are given fruit flies and tiny crickets. Certain types of fruit flies aren’t used because they can escape too easily.
Baby chameleons grow quickly, so they need extra vitamins and minerals for their bones and muscles.
Calcium is sprinkled on the crickets sometimes, and a vitamin is given once a week using Repashy SuperCal LoD or SuperCal NoD, along with Repashy SuperVite or Herptivite.
One morning, something intriguing unfolded with Veiled chameleon eggs. The emergence of one baby chameleon hatching seemed to kickstart the hatching process in the other eggs as well. This phenomenon of baby chameleon hatching sheds light on the intricacies of their early development.
Chameleon Babies Cage Setup
When creating a home for baby chameleons, it’s best to use a smaller cage, such as the ReptiBreeze 16” x 16” x 20” screen cage. This makes it easier for them to catch insects for food.
A smaller cage also helps maintain the right humidity level, which is crucial for baby chameleons. They can dry out quickly, so it’s essential to mist them regularly.
Inside the cage, make sure there’s foliage that reaches the top. Baby chameleons enjoy hanging upside-down from the ceiling, so it’s important to provide them with an easy way to climb down.
Every few weeks, consider sorting the baby chameleons by size into categories like small, medium, and large. This prevents them from competing too much for baby chameleon food.
Here are some recently born Mt. Meru chameleons gathered from the cage of a pregnant female.
Take a look at these siblings hanging out together. Couldn’t resist capturing a photo of them.
Baby Chameleons Different levels of Difficulty
Some baby chameleons are easier to take baby chameleon care of than others. Here’s a list based on experience:
Easiest baby chameleons to raise:
- Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis)
- Oustalet’s chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti)
- Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
Most challenging baby chameleons to raise:
- Jewelled chameleon (Furcifer campani)
- Meller’s chameleon (Chamaeleo melleri)
- Johnston’s chameleon (Chamaeleo johnstoni)
Luckily, the easier ones to raise are more common, while the harder ones are rarer. This makes sense because it’s easier to find help and information for the common ones.
Here’s a photo of one of Mt. Meru chameleons shortly after baby chameleon birth. They give birth to live babies. You can see a plant called schefflera in the background.
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Frequently Asked Question
What is a Baby Chameleon Costume?
A baby chameleon costume is an outfit resembling a young chameleon, often worn for fun events like Halloween.
Why do Baby Chameleons Change Color?
Baby chameleons change color primarily for camouflage and communication purposes. This ability, known as “baby chameleon changing color,” helps them blend into their surroundings to avoid predators or communicate their mood, health, or readiness to mate to other chameleons.
Are geckos OK in the house?
Geckos are often seen in houses with lush vegetation, especially those with shaded yards. Though they don’t infest homes, their presence indoors can be a nuisance as they enter from the surrounding areas to hunt for insects.
What do you Call a Baby Lizard?
You probably already knew that a baby lizard belongs to the reptile family. Similar to other reptiles, these charming creatures are born from eggs. Thus, it’s no wonder that a baby lizard is often referred to as a hatchling!
How Do you Identify a Baby Snake?
While coloration, scales, and head shape vary among snake species, they generally stay consistent between adults and babies. Baby snakes possess an egg tooth on their snout to aid in hatching, which usually falls off shortly after birth.
Why is My Baby Chameleon not Eating?
There could be several reasons why a baby chameleon is not eating, including stress, illness, inappropriate temperature or humidity levels, or inadequate food options.
Assessing the chameleon’s environment and health is crucial to determine the cause and take appropriate action. Consulting a reptile veterinarian may also be necessary for further evaluation and treatment of baby chameleon eating issues.
Are Baby Chameleons Good Pets?
Typically, chameleons are well-suited for experienced reptile owners. However, novice owners can also successfully care for a baby chameleon pet by adhering to specific cage and care requirements.
What is a Suitable Name for a Baby Chameleon?
Deciding on a baby chameleon name can be an enjoyable and imaginative task! Some popular choices include Spike, Ember, Ziggy, or Karma. However, the ideal name is one that captures the unique personality and traits of your baby chameleon.
What is the Lifespan of a Baby Chameleon?
The baby chameleon lifespan can vary depending on factors such as species, care, and environment. Generally, baby chameleons can live for several years, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years. However, with proper care and attention, some species may live even longer.
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